Student Blogger - #13Amend Live Blog: “Social Equality”

Rebecca Scott questioned the panel, pointing out that the term "social equality" was used during Reconstruction as a term of opprobrium; it was always "forced" or "thrust" upon society. Eric Foner seconded that point. I saw this as evidence that politics then was not so different than politics now. People today never say that "judicial activism" is good; everyone agrees that "socialism" is bad. People apply these terms only to opponents' points. The users seem to view the terms as descriptions rather than as insults, even though the use functions to insult. This practice only serves to distract from what is being discussed.